RESOURCES & ASSISTANCE
FOR THE PUBLIC

RESOURCES FOR LAWYERS
WHO WANT TO HELP

LAWYERS HELPING LAWYERS

LEGAL ASSISTANCE

A number of resources are available to help disaster survivors with legal issues:

HELP4TN: A website with a broad range of legal and social service resources, including updated information for disaster relief. It also can be accessed via phone at 1-844-HELP4TN. 

TN Free Legal Answers (formerly OnlineTNJustice): A free online resource that provides free legal information and advice for low-income Tennesseans. Help is also available for disaster relief situations.

Disaster Legal Assistance Hotline:
Residents of counties that have been declared a federal disaster area will be provided a toll free number to call to have their legal questions answered. In Tennessee, the hotline remains active at all times. Call 844-HELP4TN for help.

Walk-in Legal Clinics: Depending on the needs of a specific area, walk-in clinics may be planned in counties that have been declared a federal disaster area. This page will be updated as clinics and legal outreach events are scheduled. 

CONSUMER PROTECTION

A number of federal and state agencies offer resources for consumers recovering from a disaster and those who believe they have not been treated fairly. Some of these offices include:

Tennessee Attorney General's Office: Information from the state attorney general protects consumers from contracting scams, price gouging and other pitfalls after a natural disaster. Download the information in brochure format.

File a complaint here.

Specific guidance helps consumers deal with home repairs and working with insurance companies:

• Home Repair Guidelines
• Home Ownership Issues
• Insurance Tips
• Consumer Flood Information

Department of Commerce & Insurance: The department offers disaster recovery resources and allows consumers to file complaints against insurance companies.

OTHER RESOURCES

Red Cross: The agency offers tips on repairing a flooded home

File a Claim with FEMA: Learn about the FEMA claims process at www.fema.gov

VOLUNTEER TO HELP

There are many opportunities for lawyers willing to volunteer following a disaster. Lawyers can volunteer to staff clinics in disaster areas, conduct legal outreach and information sessions, answer legal questions that come in through TN Free Legal Answers or calls from HELP4TN or other disaster legal assistance helpline. Sign up here to help!

TRAINING RESOURCES

Disaster Assistance Manual: The TBA's Disaster Assistance Manual, produced by the Young Lawyers Division, guides attorneys providing volunteer assistance to victims of disaster across the state. It is a great resource to prepare lawyers to volunteer at disaster-related legal clinics.

LAWYERS NEEDING HELP

If your office was damaged, the TBA can coordinate relief and volunteer help from the legal community. Contact TBA Access to Justice Coordinator Liz Todaro for more information.

LAWYERS WITH RESOURCES

Donate office equipment, supplies or other resources to help attorneys who have been hit by a disaster. Sign up online and indicate what you are willing to donate in the "Other" field.

PREPARING FOR A DISASTER

The TBA has resources for preparing for and recovering from a disaster. Check out a self audit that will help lawyers make sure they are prepared for a potential disaster, as well as a guide for recovering from a disaster that includes information about damage assessments and business continuity.